How severe is CVE-2019-8659?

CVE-2019-8659 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity high, and availability none.

Is CVE-2019-8659 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (53rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2019-8659?

CVE-2019-8659 affects Apple Watchos. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2019-8659?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2019-8659 published?

CVE-2019-8659 was published on 2019-12-18 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2019-8659

CVE-2019-8659 is a high-severity vulnerability in Apple Watchos with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.5)
CVSS v2: 5.0
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (53rd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Apple Watchos
Published: 2019-12-18
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

This issue was addressed with improved checks. This issue is fixed in watchOS 5.3. Users removed from an iMessage conversation may still be able to alter state.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2019-8659?: This issue was addressed with improved checks. This issue is fixed in watchOS 5.3. Users removed from an iMessage conversation may still be able to alter state.
How severe is CVE-2019-8659?: CVE-2019-8659 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity high, and availability none.
Is CVE-2019-8659 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (53rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2019-8659?: CVE-2019-8659 affects Apple Watchos. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2019-8659?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2019-8659 published?: CVE-2019-8659 was published on 2019-12-18 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://support.apple.com/HT210353

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:o:apple:watchos:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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